Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Holiday at the Ranch

Save the date for Holiday at the Ranch! Join the fun on Saturday, December 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Stow House (304 N. Los Carneros Rd). Meet Santa and his goats, enjoy seasonal music, make children’s crafts, tour the decorated Stow house. Tractor rides will be available as well as food trucks on site. Schedule your time to meet Santa at Eventbrite. Tickets go on sale Friday November 24 (Children $5/Adults $10) and can be purchased here. For more information on events at the Stow House go to www.GoletaHistory.org.

City Strategizes Funding for Upcoming Capital Improvement Projects

There are twelve Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) scheduled to be delivered in the City of Goleta over the next five years. The City held a Special Council meeting on October 30 to discuss a funding strategy for the projects including the biggest project in the City’s history, Project Connect. The Council directed Goleta Public Works staff to return to Council on December 5th, 2023, to award Project Connect (estimated total cost is $100 million) and approve funding strategy for the unfunded portion. Council also rejected all bids received for the Hollister Old Town Interim Striping Improvements and directed staff to negotiate a construction change to add the Hollister Avenue Interim Striping Improvements to the Project Connect contract which would be more efficient and cost effective (estimated to save between $500,000 to $1,000,000). Council directed staff to return on December 19th, 2023, to approve the change order if negotiations are successful. A description of both projects is below.

Council also directed staff to come back in April 2024 to further review the CIP project delivery and funding for these projects. The City faces a gap in funding due to the significant cost increases over the past few years.

City staff will return to Council to hold a CIP workshop in early 2024 to discuss future CIP projects, prioritization goals, maintenance needs, and non-CIP master planning programs. CIP projects improve and enhance public safety, achieve sustainability, enhance livability, and expand economic development. Public Works, Neighborhood Services, and General Services all have CIP projects that will be part of this workshop.

The Special Council Meeting can be viewed on the City website at https://tinyurl.com/4k4n56j6.

About Project Connect

Project Connect is the City of Goleta’s comprehensive program to enhance pedestrian access and safety, improve road conditions and build critical linkage through Goleta while upgrading stormwater flows through San Jose Creek. Project Connect will be the City’s largest capital improvement project to date, requiring numerous right-of-way acquisitions and permits as well as close coordination with Caltrans. 

About Hollister Avenue Old Town Interim Striping Project

On January 19, 2021, the City Council approved a new Capital Improvement Program (CIP) project titled Hollister Avenue Old Town Interim Striping Project (Project). Council directed staff to develop striping plans that did not adjust the street width or existing sidewalk but implement parking and multi-modal improvements envisioned in the Hollister Avenue Complete Streets Corridor Plan Project. The Project allows for cost effective interim improvements (e.g., striping and pavement marking changes).

The Hollister Avenue Old Town Interim Striping Project is a cost effective, easily modified improvement that will be evaluated for how well it serves the needs of Old Town and will inform the final design of streetscape improvements once funding becomes available to construct the Hollister Avenue Complete Streets Corridor Project. When completed, the Hollister Avenue Complete Streets Corridor Project will enhance safety, access, and mobility for all users (pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders) on Hollister Avenue between Fairview Avenue and State Route 217.

City Relaunches GoodLandGoodShopping.com as Online Business Directory

Watch Video Promo and Shop Local this Holiday Season

Goleta now has an online business directory! The City of Goleta has relaunched its shop local program, GoodLandGoodShopping.com just in time for the holiday shopping season. The revamped format, formerly a digital gift card platform, is now an online, interactive business directory designed to encourage residents and visitors to shop, dine, and spend locally. The free resource includes businesses located within the city, a map view to see where the business is located, a search feature and filter options to easily find what you are looking for. The new business directory can be found on the City’s website at www.GoodLandGoodShopping.com. Watch our video promo to find out more:

Community Relations Manager Kelly Hoover said, “There are over 800 businesses that call Goleta home and this online business directory is a one stop shop where you can find them all in one place.  We hope you will use this resource to support Goleta businesses not only during the holidays but year-round and for years to come. Thanks in advance for shopping Goleta and supporting our local economy.”

Businesses located within the City of Goleta with a business license are eligible to be listed in the directory. If you are a Goleta business, we encourage you to take a moment and customize your free listing. The directory includes business name, address, phone number, website, and hours. Through the website, businesses can submit a request to be listed as well as update and add to their listing details such as: logo, social media links, promotions, photo galleries, and more. City staff will review and approve the listing before it is published.

For further updates, questions/concerns, or if you would like to speak with someone from the City regarding the directory, please contact the Community Relations Division at PIO@CityofGoleta.org. 

Provide Input on Unmet Transit Needs

Listening session on December 6 seeks public input on how bus systems, dial-a-ride, and paratransit services can better serve residents in Santa Barbara County.

An unmet transit needs listening session will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, via Zoom Webinar hosted by the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG). The public is encouraged to stop by anytime during the two-hour virtual listening session to share comments or concerns about bus systems, dial-a-ride and paratransit services in Santa Barbara County, or express needs for new or expanded services in the county. Spanish language interpretation services will be available during the listening session.

Those unable to attend the December 6, 2023, listening session can take an online survey in English or Spanish until Friday, December 15, 2023. The public can also submit comments in writing to SBCAG at 260 North San Antonio Road, Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93110, or by email to comment@sbcag.org.

Comments provided at the listening session, on the online survey, or in writing are shared with local decision makers, transit agencies, and the California Department of Transportation to help influence options for transit services and projects. A summary of public input is presented to Santa Barbara County Transit Advisory Committee and SBCAG Board of Directors in early 2024.

WHAT: Unmet Transit Needs Listening Session

WHEN: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday, December 6, 2023, (visit virtually anytime during the two-hour listening session)

WHERE: Zoom Webinar*:

  • Weblink: https://bit.ly/3MozNcB; OR
  • Webinar ID: 880 7526 7493; Passcode: 715185; OR
  • Telephone: (669) 900-9128

*Spanish-language interpretation services available

DETAILS: SBCAG is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for this meeting. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, accommodation requests should be made by Monday, December 5 to SBCAG at (805) 961-8900.

Online Survey, www.surveymonkey.com/r/SBCAG_TNA (English); www.surveymonkey.com/r/TNA_ESP (Spanish)

Provide feedback in writing to SBCAG at 260 North San Antonio Road, Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93110, or by email to comment@sbcag.org.

SBCAG will receive comments on transit needs in Santa Barbara County, as required under Section 99238.5 of the Public Utilities Code.

Meet and Greet at Goleta Farmers Market on December 10

Supervisor Hartmann, Mayor Perotte and Councilmember Kasdin to Attend

Come meet and say, “Hello” to the City of Goleta’s Mayor Paula Perotte, Councilmember Stuart Kasdin, Santa Barbara County 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann, and Goleta Union School District Area Three Board Member Emily Zacarias at the Goleta Farmers Market on Sunday, December 10 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The Farmers Market is hosted every Sunday at the Camino Real Marketplace (7004 Marketplace Drive). They will be located at a table in front of the Sheriff’s Substation next to the movie theater.

Supervisor Hartmann said, “Goleta’s Farmers Market is one of the best attended on the Central Coast! It’s a great place to connect with so many residents and families who are already there for Sunday errands. I look forward to seeing you there and hearing from you!”

“What a better way to spend a Sunday than connecting with our community at such an accessible and well-attended spot that values Goleta’s deep agricultural history,” said Mayor Paula Perotte.

Councilmember Stuart Kasdin added, “You have questions? You have concerns? Let’s hear them. We are here to listen. We want to have a conversation about what’s important to you.”

“As an elected official, it is important to hear from members of the community on issues that matter most. The farmers market is the perfect place to converse and meet new people in a casual public setting,” said Goleta Union School District Area Three Board Member Emily Zacarias.

Supervisor Hartmann, Mayor Perotte and Councilmember Kasdin are looking forward to meeting you, hearing your ideas, sharing about upcoming projects, and answering any questions or concerns you may have on local issues. Or you can also just stop by to say, “Hello!”

Hope to see you on December 10th at the Goleta Farmers Market.

Pictured from left-to-right: District Scheduler Gina Fischer, Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann, Goleta Union School District Area Three Board Member Emily Zacarias, Councilmember Stuart Kasdin and Mayor Paula Perotte at the Farmers Market in June 2023

Can the Grease this Holiday

It’s that time again, the holiday season when many of us are cooking meals to share with loved ones and friends. A gentle reminder from the Goleta Sanitary District to never pour fats, oils or grease (FOG) down your sink. FOG congeals and clogs pipes, which can cause sewage backups.

Collect your FOG after it cools and place it in a can, jar, or other vessel to be disposed of in the trash. If possible, you can also collect it and take it to the Community Hazardous Waste Collection Center on the UCSB campus at the Environmental Health and Safety Building, Building 565, Mesa Rd. For more information, click here.

Foodbank Hosts 2023 Turkey Drive

Local nonprofit seeking 4,000 turkeys, chickens and hams to meet community need for Thanksgiving and holiday meals

In response to the growing need in the community, the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County has initiated its 2023 Turkey Drive campaign, aiming to collect 4,000 fresh or frozen turkeys, chickens, or hams. This heartfelt initiative seeks to provide wholesome holiday meals to local families who are struggling financially. The demand for assistance has sharply increased throughout the county, necessitating this significant effort to support those facing food insecurity during the holiday season.

“The Foodbank needs small turkeys and chickens to ensure everyone in our county can have a wholesome holiday dinner,” explained Paul Wilkins, Foodbank Chief Operations Officer. “With the highest food inflation rate in decades, food banks across the country are expect to be hit hard in the last quarter of the year, the need is higher now more than ever this year.”

Drive Details: Community members may drop off turkeys, chickens, and hams at the Foodbank’s warehouses Monday through Friday at our Santa Barbara and Santa Maria warehouses.

Duration: The Turkey Drive will be active from November 1 to November 22, 2023.

Drop-Off Locations

  • Santa Barbara: 4554 Hollister Ave, Monday to Friday, 7 am to 3 pm.
  • Santa Maria: 490 W. Foster Road, Monday to Friday, 7 am to 3 pm.

Special Drop-off Event: The Foodbank is collaborating with American General Media, which operates popular radio stations like The Beat 95.7FM, La Ley 100.3FM, Sunny Country 102.5FM, Pirate Radio 104.1FM, and News Talk 1240AM.

American General Media’s turkey drive event will take place at Idlers Home, Santa Maria, located at: 2406 S Broadway, in Santa Maria. They are offering a seamless drive-through experience for donors on Wednesday, November 18, 9 am to 6 pm.  

Deadline: Donations are encouraged to be made by November 22, 2023, ensuring timely delivery to families in preparation for Thanksgiving.

Extended Support: While the Turkey Drive concludes on November 22, the Foodbank will continue to accept donations until December 11, 2023, supporting families throughout the holiday season.

In lieu of dropping off fresh or frozen birds, community members may sponsor holiday meals online by visiting: donate.foodbanksbc.org/sponsoraturkeydinner2023/ to donate.

Community members or local businesses who would like to host a turkey drive may call 805-967-5741 or email paguirre@foodbanksbc.org.

For more information, visit www.FoodbankSBC.org.

Hundreds of Children Receive Clothing through Operation School Bell®

Operation School Bell® provides new clothing, books, school supplies, and health kits to qualified preschool and elementary school children in the Goleta Union School District, Head Start and LEAP Preschool program, among other programs. It is one of four philanthropic programs run by Las Aletas.

Las Aletas was formed in 1964 to offer volunteer opportunities to the daughters of Assistance League® members. Today, the organization has 73 volunteers who devote their time and talents to: Operation School Bell®, Kids on the Block, Teen School Bell, and Operation Bookshelf.

Operation School Bell® can be found in a red bungalow near the Goleta Community Center. It has been transformed into a children’s clothing store. Referred by their schools, children arrive by appointment to make their selections of new clothing – including socks, underwear, jackets and sweatshirts – with a total retail value of about $200 per student. The items, all new, are purchased with proceeds from the Assistance League’s Thrift Shop in Santa Barbara. For many of these students, it is their first time receiving brand new clothes.

Personal shopping with the children is truly one of the most rewarding experiences in Las Aletas. It is hands-on philanthropy at its best! Many volunteers say it’s the best part of their week.

Las Aletas, with support from the Assistance League® of Santa Barbara, also serves 600 to 800 elementary school students in the Santa Maria area. Pre-packed tote bags, each individually personalized, are transported by volunteers to the North County for distribution to students selected by school personnel.

This year, the Assistance League® of Santa Barbara celebrates 75 years of service to the community. The Thrift Shop at 1259 Veronica Springs Road funds all four Las Aletas philanthropies, as well as the 16 philanthropies of the Assistance League® of Santa Barbara. The Thrift Shop is open for donations and sales on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

For further information about Operation School Bell® or Las Aletas, contact Lori Baur at lori.baur@cox.net.


Volunteers inside the Operation School Bell building


Operation School Bell children’s clothing store


Staff at one of the Goleta Schools accepting bags of new clothes from a Las Aletas Volunteer


Volunteers at the Thrift Shop

Rotary Club of Goleta Noontime Continues to Step Up

First backpacks and now books! Thanks to the Rotary Club of Goleta Noontime for once again stepping up for our kids. At the beginning of the year the group donated new backpacks to Goleta Union School District elementary students TK – 6th. Now the Rotary Club members have donated new books for GUSD libraries.

The books are purchased at Chaucer’s Bookstore and then labeled and signed by several Rotary Club members at their monthly meetings before being redistributed to GUSD libraries with the help of GUSD Library Media Specialists.

We can’t think of a better example of #goodlandgoodpeople. Thank you Rotary Club of Goleta Noontime for always helping us start the school year on the right foot! Let’s continue to empower Goleta youth with the essential learning tools they need to excel every academic year!

Ghost Story Challenge Winners Announced!

Celebrate Halloween with Spooky Stories Galore from Your Library

We are pleased to announce the winners of this year’s Ghost Story Challenge! Community members heard the news firsthand when they gathered at Casa Cassara Winery in Solvang on October 26 for “The Final Reckoning,” the culminating event for the Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries Ghost Story Challenge. Contest participants and their friends, teachers, and families listened to the winning entries as they were read aloud by the authors and applauded as winners received prizes and books for their spooky submissions.

Now all the frightful submissions are available for you to read on the Ghost Story Challenge 2023 page of the library website! A total of 119 entries were received during the month of September from authors in the Middle School, High School, and Adult age categories. Library staff were impressed by the talent and enthusiasm of our community, whose 500-word entries ranged from horrifying to humorous.

After multiple rounds of review by the contest’s local and celebrity judges, here are the winners in each of the categories below:

Middle School Category:

  • Scariest story went to Adeline Eliana Martinez of Solvang School, for “Bus Stop”; and Runner-up to Sarah Martiny of Goleta Valley Jr. High, for “Don’t Open the Door!”
  • Most Original Story was “Witch Hunt” by Lillian Paige Van Eyck from Our Lady of Mount Carmel School; Runner-up was “Spooky Dookie,” by Charlie Leonard of Dunn Middle School.
  • Best Dialogue was awarded to Hazel Chevitarese of Santa Barbara Middle School, for “A Light in the Dark”; Runner-up to Griffin Rowles of Dunn Middle School for “Gone Camping.”
  • Best Plot award went to Johnny Kump of Jonata Middle School, for “He’s Gone.”
  • Best Craft was awarded to “The Whispering Trees” by Nadia Milani Comparetti of Santa Barbara Middle School; Runner-up was “The Void” by Cooper Elliott of Dunn Middle School.
  • Library Staff Favorite award was given to Bruno Rakowski of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School for “The Store.”
  • Overall Best in Challenge for the Middle school category went to Jane Hanson of Mountain View Middle School, for “A Flaming Ghost.”

High School Category:

  • “Toy Crazy” by Ethan J. Hicks of Dos Pueblos High School was named Scariest; and Emma Tesdahl of Riverview School was awarded Most Original for her story “Lost and Found.”
  • Best Dialogue went to Chloe Minor of Dos Pueblos High School for “It’s Dark in the Forest”; Runner-up to Cole Weaver of Santa Barbara High School for “The Ghosts of Babylon.”
  • Best Plot was awarded to Sadie Godfrey of Santa Ynez Valley Union High School for her story, “Already Dead”; Runner-up to Sofia Tinajero, also of SYVUHS, for “The Interview.”
  • Best Craft was won by Reagan Lee Widroe of Providence High School for “The Things We Cannot See”; and a special Judges Favorite award went to Samuel Vazquez of Santa Ynez Valley High School for “Hidden Revenge.”
  • Overall Best in Challenge for the High School category went to “Puppy Love” by Adelina Kelley of Dos Pueblos High School; Runner-up to Benke Sepulveda of Dunn School for “Leaves and Shadows.”

Adult Category:

  • Jennifer Gunner’s “Life Sentence” won Scariest; runner-up was “A Quick Trip for a Long Stay” by Andrea Tufekcic.
  • “All Hallow’s Eve” by Stacy Arnold-Strider was named Most Original; Runner-up was “The Tiny Footprint Fabricator” by Celena Garcia.
  • Bruce Berlow’s story, “What to Feed a Monster” was awarded Best Writer’s Craft; Runner-up was “Don’t Bury Me” by Rose Filitchkin.
  • “Overdue” by Peggy Kelly was Named Library Staff’s Favorite.
  • Overall Best in Challenge for the Adult Category was awarded to “Demon” by R.K. Jackson.

Congratulations to all the authors who participated in this year’s Challenge!

Be sure to check our online calendar and visit the library website at www.goletavalleylibrary.org to stay in-the-know on all our services and upcoming programs.

The Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries extend their heartfelt appreciation for the support of the judges and program sponsors who made this contest a hauntingly successful event. Sponsors include: The Friends of the Goleta Valley Library, The Friends of the Library of Santa Ynez Valley, Casa Cassara Winery & Vineyard, The Haunt Ghost Tours, and Solvang Parks and Recreation.


Middle School winners Hazel Chevitarese, Johnny Kump, Adeline Eliana Martinez, Griffin Rowles, Bruno Rakowski, and Lillian Paige Van Eyck


High School winners Emma Tesdahl, Adelina Kelley, Benke Sepulveda, and Sadie Godfrey


Adult winners Jennifer Gunner, Andrea Tufekcic, R.K. Jackson, and Celina Garcia